St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is a landmark of monumental importance as it is the oldest European church in India, built in 1503. It was originally constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars with wood and later rebuilt with stone. The church's most famous historical connection is with the explorer Vasco da G ama, who died in Kochi in 1524. His remains were buried here for 14 years before being moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The empty tomb can still be visited inside the church today. The church has seen the rise and fall of colonial powers, changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and finally the British. It is currently under the Church of South India (CSI). The interior is simple yet evocative, featuring old-world wooden fans called Pankhas and gravestones with Dutch and Portuguese inscriptions. The graveyard outside contains the remains of many European settlers and soldiers. It remains a quiet sanctuary amidst the tourist-heavy streets of Fort Kochi, inviting visitors to step back in time.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
45 MinutesPlace Type:
Historical / Religious MonumentSpecial Events:
Easter and Christmas are celebrated with solemnity and traditional church hymns.
Annual Feast: The feast day of St. Francis is observed in October. ...Easter and Christmas are celebrated with solemnity and traditional church hymns.
Annual Feast: The feast day of St. Francis is observed in October.Best Photo Spots:
The Entrance: The simple arched door with the church's name is iconic.
Vasco's Tomb: A close-up of the historical marker.
The War Memorial: The stone monument in the front yard dedicated to World War I sold...The Entrance: The simple arched door with the church's name is iconic.
Vasco's Tomb: A close-up of the historical marker.
The War Memorial: The stone monument in the front yard dedicated to World War I soldiers.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
See the Tomb: Visit the marked spot where Vasco da Gama was buried.
Read History: Explore the plaques explaining the colonial timeline.
Admire the Simplicity: Observe the minimalist altar and high wooden ceiling.
Heritage Walk: Walk around the church to see the Dutch cemetery.
Photography: Capture the classic white facade and the war memorial in front.
Attend Service: Visit on Sunday morning for the local liturgy.
Quiet Reflection: Sit inside to experience the historic silence. ...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Famous as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama.
Heritage Status: It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Oldest Church: Known for being the first European church built on Indian soil. ...Famous as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama.
Heritage Status: It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Oldest Church: Known for being the first European church built on Indian soil. -
Architecture:
The style is a mix of Portuguese and Indo-European.
Features and Layout: It has a gabled front with arched windows and a large choir loft. The roof is tiled, and the structure is supported by heavy buttresses.
Dimensions: The chur...The style is a mix of Portuguese and Indo-European.
Features and Layout: It has a gabled front with arched windows and a large choir loft. The roof is tiled, and the structure is supported by heavy buttresses.
Dimensions: The church has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave. The facade is approximately 30 feet wide, characterized by its plain white-washed appearance. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 45 KMS away.
By Train: Ernakulam South is 13 KMS away.
By Road: Tourist taxis are easily available.
By Local Transport: Take the pub... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Santa Cruz Basilica (0. 5 KM), 2. Chinese Fishing Nets (0. 6 KM), 3. David Hall (0. 3 KM), 4. Bastion Bungalow (0. 8 KM), 5. Bishop's House (1 KM), 6. Jew Town (3. 5 KMS), 7. Maritime Museum (2 KMS), 8. Fort Kochi Beach (0. 7 KM), 9. VOC Gate (0. 4 KM), 10. Mattancherry Palace (3. 2 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health and Safety: Watch for low-hanging branches in the courtyard.
Packing: Wear light cotton clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
Cash and Connectivity: Use UPI for nearby cafes; most shops accept digi...
Reviews
St. Francis Church Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bolgatty Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cherai Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chinese Fishing Nets
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cochin Shipyard
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ernakulam Shiva Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ernakulathappan Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Fort Kochi
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Goshree Bridges
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hill Palace Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities